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Psalms 111

Psalms111

King James Version · Public Domain

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1 Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

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Psalms 111

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 111. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.

Chapter Summary

In this chapter: The Lord is to be praised for his works. (1-10).

vv1-10

—The psalmist resolves to praise God himself. Our exhortations and our examples should agree together. He recommends the works of the Lord, as the proper subject, when we are praising him; and the dealings of his providence toward the world, the church, and particular persons. All the works of the Lord are spoken of as one, it is his work; so admirably do all the dispensations of his providence centre in one design. The works of God, humbly and diligently sought into, shall all be found just and holy. God's pardoning sin is the most wonderful of all his works, and ought to be remembered to his glory. He will ever be mindful of his covenant; he has ever been so, and he ever will be so. His works of providence were done according to the truth of the Divine promises and prophecies, and so were verity, or truth; and by him who has a right to dispose of the earth as he pleases, and so are judgment, or righteous: and this holds good of the work of grace upon the heart of man, verses 7, 8. All God's commandments are sure; all have been fulfilled by Christ, and remain with him for a rule of walk and conversation to us. He sent redemption unto his people, out of Egypt at first, and often afterwards; and these were typical of the great redemption, which in the fulness of time was to be wrought out by the Lord Jesus. Here his everlasting righteousness shines forth in union with his boundless mercy. No man is wise who does not fear the Lord; no man acts wisely except as influenced by that fear. This fear will lead to repentance, to faith in Christ, to watchfulness and obedience. Such persons are of a good understanding, however poor, unlearned, or despised.

Cross References

Psalms 111
v10Proverbs 1:7thematic

Direct parallel teaching that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom/knowledge.

Supported by JFB

v10Deuteronomy 4:6thematic

Keeping God's commandments demonstrates understanding and wisdom to those who observe.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

v10Job 28:28thematic

Classic wisdom text equating the fear of the Lord with wisdom and departing from evil.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

v1Psalms 112:1thematic

The immediate companion alphabetic Psalm, linking praise with the fear of the Lord.

Supported by JFB

v4Exodus 34:6allusion

Echoes the foundational self-revelation of God as gracious, merciful, and full of compassion.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v10Proverbs 9:10thematic

Reinforces that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Supported by JFB

v8Matthew 5:18thematic

Affirms that God's commandments and law stand fast and will not pass away.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v9Luke 1:68fulfillment

Zacharias blesses God for visiting and sending redemption, fulfilling covenant promises.

Supported by Matthew Henry